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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot as England's fly-half versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the best defensive display we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

His courageous approach through regularly completing his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of skill and composure, while executing several crucial decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the team tactically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, since Smith has demonstrated his capability in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford started last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that decision was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's performance versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies lost in Italy last weekend, so we should not get overly excited with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace Australia were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, alongside Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of having individuals who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of presence might represent the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute observes the game unfold while substituted while considering about how he can make an impact when he comes on.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Smith as such type influential performer, including him in the backfield could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think Marcus is the answer at full-back, so that is a position that is still unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Marcus is a full-back in top-tier rugby.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control as much as possible, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the capacity to make the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession during one phase within his own half and it looked like it could be on if they swung it wide.

But in those split-seconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

That's the sort of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran do, particularly during club level repeatedly and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the job, but with Fin's defence on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile performer.

Defensive System

This also indicates there's no need to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations occurring behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation facing New Zealand, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off England.